Travel by boats soon at long distances across Goa

Travel by boats soon at long distances across Goa

Dated: Jul 22, 2012

PANAJI: In a bid to ensure an “effective mode of transport by introducing quick and safe passenger transport services”, the state government will invite expressions of interest (EoI) to develop the state’s “un utilized waterways”.

This aims at reducing traffic congestion on roads, transport minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar said in his written reply to a question tabled by Sanquelim MLA Pramod Sawant. Sawant sought to know whether the government has plans to start a public water transport service along longer routes within the state.

Around 8.66 lakh vehicles have been registered with the transport department and around 50,000 new vehicles make it to Goan roads every year.

The EoI has been issued by the river navigation department to interested and competent parties asking them to prepare a techno-feasibility report for operating ferry services along viable routes through the inland waterways of Goa.

The EoI states that the competent parties should conduct a market study and demands an assessment for viable inland water routes like Panaji-Vasco. It also asks parties to carry out a site analysis with regards to location, connectivity and approach, orientation, surrounding developments, general topography, sewerage and waste water disposal.

“Stakeholder consultations should be held with the RND and other government agencies, private sector representatives, investors/financiers, etc to incorporate feedback on the potential acceptability of the project,” the EOI states.

Dhavalikar also said that the government is aware that motorcycle pilots, taxi drivers and auto rickshaw drivers await customers at motor cycle/ taxi stands in an inebriated state. “The executive staff of enforcement from the North and South regions of the directorate of transport willl conduct surprise checks using alcometers on drivers, conductors, cleaners, motorcycle pilots, taxi drivers to ascertain whether they are under the influence of alcohol,” Dhavalikar said.

src:http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-22/goa/32787757_1_motorcycle-pilots-taxi-drivers-transport